Keys to Victory: Can Patriots Create Explosive Plays vs. Jets?
The New England Patriots go on the road for the first time this Sunday as they will meet the New York Jets inside MetLife Stadium, where kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. (EST). While the Patriots have beaten the Jets in 14 straight matchups, Sunday's game feels more like a tossup than it has in recent memory.
The Patriots come into Sunday winless for the first time since 2001, while the Jets are 1-1 despite losing quarterback Aaron Rodgers just three plays into their season-opening win over the Buffalo Bills.
With Sunday feeling like a must-win for the Patriots if they hope to keep their postseason hopes alive, what are the keys to victory?
Finish Off Drives With Points
It has been the talk all week about the Patriots offense. New England hasn't had trouble moving the ball on the opponent's side of the field, as recent statistics have indicated. However, problems arise when the Patriots are in a scoring position. The Patriots have scored points on just 37.5 percent of their drives that ended on the opponent's side of the 50-yard line, the second-worst rating in the league so far.
Facing off against yet another strong defensive unit, every drive counts for the Patriots offensively, and finishing with points will undoubtedly be key to victory.
Find Explosive Plays in Addition to Quick Passing Game
Through two games with a makeshift offensive line due to injuries, offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien has called for a heavy dosage of quick-passing game concepts. While O'Brien's plan of getting the ball out quickly behind an inconsistent offensive line is for the benefit of the offense and quarterback Mac Jones, that doesn't mean they should go away from the deep ball entirely.
The longest passing play for the Patriots so far was a 32-yard completion to running Rhamondre Stevenson, which was actually a checkdown that turned into an explosive play with his abilities after the catch.
Hitting on "chunk plays" will not only see the Patriots' offense likely convert those missed opportunities on the opponent's side of midfield into points but also help open up more plays in the quick passing game as the defense may back off in coverage.
Stop the Jets Run Game
Without starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers, it is largely expected that the Jets will turn to their running back duo of Breece Hall and Dalvin Cook. The Jets' offensive line struggled to hold up in pass protection against the Dallas Cowboys, giving up three sacks and five quarterback hits, and seeing as the Patriots gave up 145 yards on the ground versus the Miami Dolphins.
